Soaring heat drives Mumbaikars to AC locals; ridership sees a sharp surge

MUMBAI: With temperatures soaring across Mumbai, an increasing number of commuters are opting for air-conditioned (AC) local trains to escape the scorching heat. The ridership of AC locals has seen a significant jump, with 1.63 lakh passengers using these trains on the Western Railway and 77,000 on the Central Railway daily. This surge in demand is also contributing to the railways’ revenue, as passengers are willing to pay extra for a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
Over the past few weeks, Mumbai’s maximum temperatures have consistently remained high, making travel in non-AC locals uncomfortable. Commuters, especially office-goers, are now choosing AC locals, not just during peak hours but even in the afternoons.
According to Western Railway officials, AC local ridership has steadily increased over the past few years. In March 2023, around 1.08 lakh passengers travelled on AC locals daily, which has now surged to 1.63 lakh.
“Earlier, AC locals were preferred mainly during peak hours, but now even afternoon services are witnessing heavy demand. The rising temperatures have played a big role in this shift,” said a senior Western Railway official.
The trend is also visible on the Central Railway, where AC local daily ridership has jumped from 56,332 in March last year to 77,091 this year.
A Central Railway official said, “Despite fewer AC local services compared to the Western Railway, we are witnessing a growing preference for AC trains. The rising heat and improved frequency are encouraging more commuters to shift to AC locals.”
Many passengers who previously avoided AC locals due to higher fares are now willing to pay extra for comfort.
“I used to travel in regular locals, but with the unbearable heat, AC locals feel like a necessity rather than a luxury. Even if it costs more, the comfortable journey is worth it,” said Prashant Joshi, a daily commuter from Borivli.
Another commuter, Priya Nair, who travels from Thane to CST, said, “The overcrowding in regular locals during summer makes the journey exhausting. AC locals provide a stress-free and comfortable alternative.”
With the increasing demand, railway authorities are now evaluating the possibility of adding more AC local services, especially during the summer months.
“A proposal to introduce additional AC services is under review. We are analysing passenger demand and train availability before making a final decision,” a railway official added.